A/N : So glad to see you liked the previous chapter ! From what I gather, it gave you feels. Well, if everything works as planned, this one should give you loads of them. Also, you all seem intrigued by Hook's motivations... GOOD TOO *giggles evilly*

Trigger warnings : I didn't want to spoil anything but I figured it'd be wiser to warn you : sexual assault scene below. First time I write one so... I hope it doesn't suck (much).

Chapter 10 : If stars could smile

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"So here it is ?" Emma asked, resting her elbows on the railing.

"Yes love, here it is" the pirate answered in a smile, the kind of smile that appears on your face when you find what you once lost. The Pirate Island.

Lost in the Nehalennia Ocean, kept away from all the maps and registers, the Pirate Island was the den of the mariners and scoundrels. From the Jolly Roger, the princess could make out the banks of this piece of earth, flooded by the after-rain light. In front of her lied the tamed part of the island, ruled by the scum and the merchants, invaded by the shops and taverns. The docks stood there proudly, waiting for the vessels to moor. Emma found this tableau cliché as hell. It wasn't very different from what she had imagined reading her stories. Very Tortuga-ish. But Hook knew this island was somewhat different.

Behind this side of the island lied a savage stretch of white sand, bordered by a tropical forest and crystal blue waters. That's where he used to go with Milah. Where they used to watch the sun fall behind the clear skyline, swallowed by the calm sea. Never had he return there every since. The Astraea beach was an undying reminder of their love, while Milah was now nothing but a hole in his heart.

They docked and left the Jolly Roger after a weak of sailing. The Captain had thrown a vest onto the princess, a large hood hiding her royal face. The Pirate Island was many things, but certainly not a safe haven. Not for her kind. And the scoundrels around would not hesitate to steal her away in order to get a reward, or worse. Hook took her hand in his, tightening his fingers around hers. The touch of his skin was eletric, and Emma felt a warm discharge spreading from their intertwined hands. How come she always felt that burn when they touched ? How come he did not feel it too ? As far as she could remember, never had se felt like this. So... in need. It was more than caprice or lust. It was an inextricable attraction, forcing her down the abyss. She wanted freedom and adventure, life at full speed. But the very reason she had not resisted her kidnapper … was her kidnapper.

They winded through the crowd of smelly pirates, soaked in rum and even sea water. The atmosphere was sultry and suffocating. The warm wind carried away a foul scent of sweat and other delicate things Emma would rather not imagine. Among the overwhelming number of men, a few women sold their smiles and curves for a coin. Their faces were coarsely covered with talcum and here and there, beauty spots emerged from the exaggerate whiteness of their complexion. Their rosy and fleshy lips were curled into lustful smiles, eager to attract somebody to spend the night with. Emma felt strangely uncomfortable when one of them jolted her. She hung her head and rearranged her hood.

"Hey", a hooker yelled at her in a grin. "Why hiding your pretty face honey ? When it can get you so much !"

The woman's friends broke into a loud laughter, their lips opening to show yellow and spoilt teeth. Hook couldn't help but smile at Emma's sudden awkwardness. That was a first. "Love, they're joking", he whispered to her ear.

Emma chuckled at this oh so enlightening comment. "Yeah they basically advised me to become a whore."

The pirate looked away and sighed. "It would surely help you satisfy some urges darling", he added carelessly.

Emma frowned and opened her mouth in shock. "How dare you ?" She tried to walk away but he wouldn't let go of her hand. His fingers were still wrapped around hers, so tight that it almost hurt. "Tttt, Emma, love, think twice before doing something you'd regret. You don't know this place, you're a woman and a princess. Might as well say that you're a hell of a prey for these men."

The said princess shook her hand off his grip and glared at him. "Don't even think I'm staying with you because I enjoy your company", she scowled.

Hook smiled and put his good hand on his chest, faking pain. "I'd be wounded if I actually believed that. I would maybe buy it if you hadn't try to ravish me."

Emma got her face closer to his."You're disgusting", she spat, causing the insufferable pirate to part in a grin.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night sweetheart", he let out.

Whereupon he moved his arms in the direction of a building, probably a tavern, waiting for her stubborn merchandise to follow his lead. The latter clenched her fists and obeyed him, pretty fastly despite all the reluctance in her green eyes.

She had convinced this infuriating pirate of hers (not to say a pain in the ass, Emma was a fucking princess after all) to let her sit by herself. Here she was, her face hidden by her large hood, leaning against the counter, caressing the wooden glass (how was this even logical) the innkeeper had just given her. Her eyes were set upon the ale, shimmering under the dim light of the candles. The clamor of the drunken sailors, the flickering flames of the candles and the frantic sound of the fiddles brought her back to Eurwen, five years ago.

A hot July night. Dresses rustling and carefree laughters filling the air. A handsome wolf with eyes as blue as forget-me-nots. The touch of his hand squeezing in the small of her back as the sound of the violins guided their pace. She didn't know why she remembered this night that well. Actually, she didn't. The one thing she remembered with an uncanny precision was this man, their dance, their conversation. The filthy tavern had brought her back to this ball, to him, the lone wolf she had never forgotten for some reason.

Her life was much simpler back then. It was all about hanging out with Bae, lying in the hay with him, climbing the old oak and staring at the Enchanted Forest all day long. She began to question her decision to leave the castle. What her parents had told her was too much to take in. All her life she had wondered what was wrong with her. She had tried to understand what she was surrounded by, love. Without success. Leaving in order to finally live. That had been her choice.

And now here she was, captive of a pirate she was attracted to, but who didn't want her. A pirate who thought she was a nympho. By all the Gods, she should write a book. The pirate and the nympho, great title. But the thing is, he knew nothing. He thought she was obsessed with sex. What a simple thought. She was obsessed with him, which was slightly different. She had known one man in twenty three years, she had never felt the need to sleep with anyone else because she had him. He was enough. But now, there was this mysterious sailor who made her heart beat faster (well, her fake heart). No, Emma couldn't feel anything. She knew nothing about pain, happiness or love. But she knew how attraction felt like. She could feel her heart sink in her stomach, the shivers covering her body, her muscles tensing. She knew desire. And even with Bae, she had never felt it, never that intensly. What linked her to Captain Hook was something different. It was passion.

The young woman raised the beaker to her lips. But her hood fell in the process, revealing her golden hair. She could feel Hook's gaze on her. He was obviously sitting somewhere in the room, lurking and watching her. She could hear his "Bloody hell" from where she was. Realizing the danger of her situation, she quickly put her hood back on her head, but of course, almost everyone had noticed her. She decided to stay calm and do as nothing happened. But she hadn't taken the man sitting next to her into account. A tall, large and sweaty man, in his forties. Well, fuck, she thought.

The latter turned to her, a significative smirk on the lips. "Hey doll, why hiding your face like this ?" he asked.

How original. Was it everyone's pick up line on this fucking island ? "Not to be bothered by morons like you", she spat.

But the man smiled even more. "Tough lass, I like that. You must like it rough." He paused and scanned her, probably looking for a piece of flesh to stare at. He raised his head again, more turned on than if he had actually seen a piece of flesh. "Good news, so do I."

Emma sighed and rolled her eyes. Hook was annoying. But she liked his innuendoes much more. And at least, he was handsome. Wait, what the...

"Not very talkative woman", the man added, visibly a little bored. "Nevermind, I don't want to talk when there are much more interesting things to do..."

Emma looked down and saw his hand trying to reach for her lap. Last straw buddy, she thought. She seized his hand and knocked it on the counter. The man looked very surprised... and pissed. Emma took her dagger from her pocket and dived it into the wood, right next to her neighbor's hand. "You try to touch me one more fucking time, I cut it, savvy ?" she snapped.

The man took off his hand sharply, glaring at her. "I'd better not see you again you slut. Or I swear I'll-"

"You'll what, mate ?"

Hook was standing behind him, his elbow casually resting on the counter while he blew on his namesake.

"Captain Hook, I didn't know you were back", the man said.

Hook's smile or rather mocking smirk widened. "Funny considering I always come back here by this time of the year, Smith."

The said Smith got up and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm sure Drinkwater will be glad to hear you're back."

"Send him my regards."

A heavy silence lingered in the air. The two men shared a tacit battle of glares. Hook took a step towards the man and broke the silence.

"I believe the lass here wanted you to leave ?" he lowly said showing Emma.

Smith clenched his teeth. "That whore threatened to cut my hand", he muttered.

The Captain opened his mouth and lowered his head, falsely amused. "That 'whore' is with me. So I shall advise you to stay away from her. It'd be a shame if you lost both your hands." The man looked confused. "Yes," Hook added, "you bother her again, she'll cut the right hand while I'll take care of the left one. Understand ?"

Smith nodded and gulped.

"Good", he said while tapping him on the shoulder. "Now get the bloody hell out of here."

With a last glare at Emma and clenched fists, the man stormed out from the tavern. The princess stood up violently and planted herself in front of Hook. She angrily crossed her arms over her chest and frowned.

"You're welcome", the pirate scolded with a shudder.

"I handled this !" Emma yelled.

"Gods Emma don't make a scene here", he mumbled rubbing his forehead.

The young woman chuckled like a maniac. "I am so fucking sick of this", she let out.

Hook frowned. She couldn't be serious. "Sick of this ?" he repeated. "You were the one thrilled at the idea of getting abducted by a pirate. You chose this princess !"

Emma's cheeks flushed and her eyes flashed. "I did not choose this !" she cried. Her scream caused all the customers to hush. They were all looking at them, the pirate and the princess, caught up in a fight that had to come eventually. But Emma didn't care. She moved forward him and her icy eyes peered into his. "Why would I ever choose you ?" she lowly muttered, making each word stand out. She stormed her way out of the tavern, leaving an angry and puzzled pirate behind her.

The disgust the latter had seen in her eyes had hurt him more than he would admit. He gathered his wits and scanned the room. "Women", he carelessly said shaking his head. "And a round of rum for everyone !" The sailors raised their glasses to this announce and the conversations started again. Don't make anything stupid Emma, Hook thought, sitting at the counter.

"Fucking Killian Jones", Emma muttered as she leant against the wall of the tavern. She had taken shelter at the back of the bloody establishment, desperate for fresh air to calm her nerves. She rested her head against the cold wall and closed her eyes. Soon, the sun would set, and she could feel its heat diminishing on her face. But the air was still warm and suffocating. When it must freeze in Elanoriah, she thought. What has she done ?

The sound of footsteps broke her out of her thoughts. She startled and shot her eyes open to find out an unwelcome surprise : Smith.

"We didn't finish our conversation earlier", he said hoarsely.

Emma gulped, trying to reach for her dagger, when she remembered she had left it on the counter, too busy being angry at Jones.

The man rested a hand on the wall, right next to her ear. A lustful smirk curled his lips. "I said something like 'I'd better not see you again slut', but your one-handed pirate didn't let me finish." He lifted her chin with his other hand, and Emma had no choice but to peer her eyes into his. The thing she saw in them caused her to tremble like a leaf.

Smith leant a little more and pressed his body against hers. "I meant that if I were to see you again, I'd make you regret your insolence. I always take what I want you hooker, and right now what I want is hidden beneath those unfitting clothes and between those legs..."

His fingers left her chin to go down her neck, until they reached the collar of her coat. Emma crushed his foot with hers in an attempt to run, but despite a deep mutter, the man pressed her closer against the wall, his other hand squeezing her neck. "If wouldn't move if I were you honey." He loosened his grip to cover her mouth with his large hand and unbuttoned her coat with his knife. The princess tried to bite him, diving her teeth into his sweaty flesh until she felt the taste of copper on her mumbled and raised the knife to her cheek. "I warned you." With these words, he brushed the sharp blade against her flesh, causing her to cry out under his hand. A red cut appeared and drops of red flowed from the thin line.

With a sharp motion, he sliced her shirt open, revealing her bare chest. Emma closed her eyes, ashamed, terrified, but above all, angry. She wriggled as much as she could, desperately trying to thwart his moves, but without success. Hot tears began to fill her eyes as she felt his filthy mouth on her breasts. He stopped quickly, too eager to take the next step. She heard him untiying his belt. She could hear her heart beating in her temples and ringing in her head, an ironic reminder of the danger of the situation.

She restlessly fidgeted as much as she could, but the man's grip was too tight and her wrist was crushed under his strength. He kept his hand on her mouth, ignoring her moves, and slipped his other one under her dress. Emma felt his hand diving into her undergarments and ripping them off. The beating of her heart grew louder and louder, covering the deafening sound of her erratic breathing. His hand left the bottom of her dress and positioned itself under her thigh, grasping it so as to lift her. The man growled and moaned, a greedy and satisfactory smile distorting his face. The tip of his lentgth brushed her entrance, and she wished she could fall dead on the cold ground or faint. But her body was much stronger than she was. "Who's the smartest now, pretty slut ?" he said as he was about to initiate a thrust.

"Certainly not you", she heard. Suddenly, she felt the body of Smith tense and incomprehension filled his eyes. Soon, his grip loosened and his knees trembled. His hand fell from her mouth and she felt herself falling when an arm tightly wrapped her waist. Hook. She couldn't even look at him. She was in shock, staring at the man who had just assaulted her and who lay dead on the ground, face down, a large stain of red in the middle of his back.

She heard a distance voice. "Emma ?" A distant and familiar voice. "Emma, look at me, are you all right ?" Concern filled this distant and familiar voice, and more tears ran down her cheeks, washing away the blood. She crossed her arms over her chest, raised her eyes and faced him. His eyebrows were furrowed in a genuine worry. He took off his coat and gently put it on her shoulders. Then, he brushed her cut as she winced. "Emma, did he..." She shook her head negatively. "You arrived right on time", she managed to say in a cracked voice. Hook heaved a sigh of relief and took her by the shoulders. "We need to get out of here love, before Drinkwater finds out one on his sailor's dead." Emma nodded and tightened the coat with her trembling hands. With a last glance at the body, she followed the Captain and cursed herself for being so weak.

So much for being heartless.

"Where are you taking me ?" Emma asked.

Hook flashed her a soft smile. "Somewhere nice, I promise. We should be arriving shortly."

The sun was slowly disappearing under the skyline as Emma and Hook walked down a coast path. His right arm was still wrapped around her waist, as if he were afraid she'd crumble down. She hated herself for what happened earlier. She was good with a sword or a bow, but so powerless when it came to close combat. She should've defended herself. She should've killed him as easily as she had killed Duncan. What was the point of being deprived of emotions if she couldn't even help bursting into tears and feel... weakness ? Shame ?

A sudden flash of light jolted her from her painful remembrance. In front of her lied an unfathomable stretch of white sand, framed by an undulating forest of emerald and a translucent water, shimmering under the dying sun. Her mouth dropped at the astonishing beauty of the beach, savage and wild and pure, sheltered from the mayhem of the sailors and the scent of rum. A gentle breeze caressed her cheeks and carried away the fragrance of exotic flowers and salt.

Hook smiled when he noticed the amazement on Emma's face. "Princess Emma Elea of Eurwen, meet the Aestrea beach, the beach of the stars."

They stood here for a moment before making their way to the said beach. Once there, Hook sat on the sand, right in front of the sea, and Emma did the same. The sun was now practically swallowed by the calm Nehalennia ocean, and a few shining spots had already appeared in the ochre sky. Emma's eyes were lost in the incandescent horizon. Hook looked at the cut on her left cheek and fished his flask of rum in his pocket. Emma noticed it and shrugged. "I'm fine Hook", she said.

The pirate tilted his head to the side. "No, you're not. No one would be after what happened. Let me help you, that's the least I can do." The princess accepted, and turned her look back to the ocean. The pirate took a cloth (he had kept a clean one from the inn) and poured some alcohol on it. Then, softly, he dabbed it on her wound. Emma winced a little, but didn't unlock her eyes from the horizon.

"I'm so sorry Emma", Hook whispered, tucking the cloth in his pocket.

The young woman looked at him, surprised. "For what ?"

"For letting you go alone ealier. If I had followed you instead of sitting at the counter, Smith wouldn't have touched you." He clenched his fist and dug his hook in the sand. Another emotion Emma had not idea of. Guilt. He felt guilty. She had never experienced this feeling, but she knew what it came with. Care. He cared about her. Lots of questions churned around in her head, for instance why he didn't want her and cared about her at the same time. She wanted to scream at him, to ask him these questions, but she didn't say a word. "Thank you, Killian", she let out instead. The pirate frowned in surprise, but he seemed touched by the sound of his name from her mouth.

The sun was now nothing but a memory, and velvet had replaced the fire. Billions of stars had invaded the night sky, and suddenly, Hook was lying on the sand. "What are you doing ?" Emma asked with a sigh.

"Lying down", Hook replied with a faked confusion. "Better to see the stars." Emma frowned. "Care to join me ?" he added with a mischievous smile.

The princess smiled at this. Would he believe him if she said she had missed his flirting ? Probably. She lay down next to him, taking great care of keeping the coat on her chest. "Love, it's nothing I haven't seen", Hook said. But Emma glared at him and tried to sit up when he held her back. "Sorry love, that wasn't the smartest thing to say. I just wanted to lighten the atmosphere. My apologies your highness." She lay down again with annoyance. Once a jerk, forever a jerk, she thought.

After a minute of silence, Hook pointed a star cluster. "Do you know this constellation ?" he asked. Emma shook her head. "No, I only know the Northern ones." The pirate looked satisfied to know something she didn't. Enjoy it while you can, Emma thought.

"This is the Cygnus constellation." He looked at her and smirked. "The constellation of the swan." Seeing he had caught her attention, he fell back into his original position and started his story. "There are plenty of legends associated with this constellation. The strangest thing is that she's common to all the worlds out there, or at least the ones I've been to, and it's the only one. An earthling legend says that in ancient times, Cygnus, son of the King of the Ligurians, was in love with Phaeton, who rode the horses of the Sun. One day, the latter was crushed as he was riding them, and Cygnus, desperate, looked for his body in the river Eridan, in which he fell. Touched by this, Zeus took pity on him, changed him into a swan and placed him among the stars."

Emma listened to him carefully, memories of her mother's stories taking over her. Hook laced his hand with her, hesitantly, still gazing at the sky. She allowed his touch, welcoming his heat. She motioned towards him and put her head onto his chest. Surprised at first, he finally wrapped her with his arm and rearranged her coat with his hook.

They remained like this, closely entwined, the eyes locked on the shining diamonds scattered in this neverending stretch of black. Soon, Emma allowed herself to close her eyes, lulled by the beat of the pirate's heart. Hook noticed how her breath slowed down until it became even, quiet. She had fallen asleep in his arms. Memories of another life overwhelmed and he saw himself with Milah, in the exact same position, in the exact same place. But Emma wasn't Milah. He knew it, and so did the stars above him.

He softly kissed her hairline before resting his head on the warm sand, the ghost of a smile still lingering on his lips as he gave himself to sleep. "If stars could smile..." he murmured before falling asleep.

And at this very moment, on another island, lost in the sky after the second star to the right, shining more than ever at this sight, stars were smiling.

A/N : CHEESY FEELS SO RIGHT OKAY, DON'T JUDGE ME. I got carried away. I know the assault scene is cliché and very 'damsel in distress', but I wanted to make a parallel with the way Emma saved Hook in ch7. And it seems like it triggered something in her... So much for being heartless. About the legend of Cygnus, it's legit, I didn't make it up. But of course there are different legends and versions, I'll make a post on Tumblr, as usual !

I hope you enjoyed the chapter ! Thanks for everything :)